Published in 1915, Franz
Kafka’s The Metamorphosis is a gruelling and ironic depiction of
the pressures imposed by family and profession in the Twentieth
Century. The novella centres around travelling salesman Gregor
Samsa who, one morning, finds himself transformed into an insect.
What follows, depending on the interpretation, is a reflection of
how modern life provides a misunderstanding of predicament and a
lack of empathy towards those who have been beaten down by an
unforgiving capitalist system.

Equally, The Metamorphosis asks questions of Gregor himself.
Over time he has continued to disregard his own well-being and
autonomy, seeing himself as the saviour of his family’s debts. Yet,
by doing so, he has missed the fact that his family appear to
resent the house he has chosen to rent, or that their debts are not
quite as bad as they seemed. He has taken a cross which he need not
have beared.

In the words of Vladimir Nabokov, “In The Metamorphosis,
contract and unity, style and matter, manner and plot are most
perfectly integrated”.

Contents

Part I. The Life of Franz Kafka.

Part II. The Plot.

Part III. The Meaning.

Part IV. Further Analysis and Discussion.

About the Podcast

A weekly 'informal and informative' philosophy podcast inspiring and supporting students, teachers, academics and free-thinkers worldwide. All episodes are available at www.thepanpsycast.com.